U.S. patent application number 12/964540 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-14 for user assistance via customer premises equipment media files.
This patent application is currently assigned to AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.. Invention is credited to Paritosh Bajpay, John Michael Donovan, Shiv Kumar, Narendra Ravi.
Application Number | 20120151549 12/964540 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46200854 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120151549 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kumar; Shiv ; et
al. |
June 14, 2012 |
User Assistance Via Customer Premises Equipment Media Files
Abstract
A particular customer premises equipment (CPE) device includes a
display interface, a processor, and a memory accessible to the
processor. The memory includes a plurality of media files that
include user assistance information. The memory also includes
instructions executable by the processor to access a media file of
the plurality of media files and, in response to a user request for
assistance, send content of the media file to a display device via
a display interface.
Inventors: |
Kumar; Shiv; (Marlboro,
NJ) ; Bajpay; Paritosh; (Edison, NJ) ;
Donovan; John Michael; (San Antonio, TX) ; Ravi;
Narendra; (Howell, NJ) |
Assignee: |
AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I,
L.P.
Reno
NV
|
Family ID: |
46200854 |
Appl. No.: |
12/964540 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
725/131 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 17/004 20130101;
H04N 21/478 20130101; H04N 17/04 20130101; H04N 21/23614 20130101;
H04N 21/6582 20130101; H04N 21/6547 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/131 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/173 20110101
H04N007/173 |
Claims
1. A customer premises equipment (CPE) device comprising: a display
interface; a processor; and a memory accessible to the processor,
the memory comprising instructions executable by the processor and
a plurality of media files comprising user assistance information;
wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to access
a media file of the plurality of media files and to send content of
the media file to a display device via the display interface in
response to a user request for assistance.
2. The CPE device of claim 1, wherein the CPE device is one of a
set-top box device, a residential gateway, and a micro-cell
device.
3. The CPE device of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further
executable by the processor to perform one or more diagnostic tests
in response to the user request for assistance, to access
subscriber account information in response to the user request for
assistance, or any combination thereof.
4. The CPE device of claim 1, wherein the user request for
assistance comprises a user request to tune the CPE device to a
troubleshooting channel.
5. The CPE device of claim 1, wherein a subscription tier
associated with the user prevents an action associated with the
user request, and wherein the instructions are further executable
by the processor to send to the display interface an indication
that the user is prevented from performing the action based on the
subscription tier.
6. The CPE device of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further
executable by the processor to log information related to the user
request for assistance and to send the logged information to a
service provider.
7. The CPE device of claim 6, wherein the service provider
automatically performs actions to correct one or more issues
identified by the logged information.
8. The CPE device of claim 6, wherein the logged information is
provided to a customer assistance agent of the service provider,
and wherein the customer assistance agent initiates an action to
contact a user in response to the logged information.
9. The CPE device of claim 6, wherein the service provider sends
one or more updated user assistance media files to the CPE device,
wherein the one or more updated user assistance media files are
selected based on the logged information and information logged at
other CPE devices associated with the service provider.
10. The CPE device of claim 6, wherein the logged information is
descriptive of actions performed at a device associated with a
subscriber account other than the CPE device.
11. The CPE device of claim 1, wherein the user request for
assistance is provided to the CPE device via at least one of a
remote control device and a voice entry.
12. The CPE device of claim 1, wherein the user request for
assistance includes search criteria associated with specific
assistance desired by a user.
13. The CPE device of claim 1, wherein the media files include at
least one video segment demonstrating performance of a particular
user assistance action.
14. The CPE device of claim 1, wherein the media file is selected
based at least partially on a diagnostic test implemented at the
CPE device in response to the user request for assistance.
15. The CPE device of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further
executable by the processor to perform one or more diagnostic tests
in response to the user request for assistance.
16. The CPE device of claim 15, wherein diagnostic tests include
testing a picture quality of an output signal of the CPE device by
displaying a video clip and prompting a user for input regarding an
observed problem, testing a connectivity between the CPE device and
another CPE device, testing a connectivity between the CPE device
and an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) network, testing a
wireless connectivity associated with the CPE device, testing a
local area network connectivity associated with the CPE device,
testing a synchronization between audio data and video data,
testing a telephone audio quality, or any combination thereof.
17. A method, comprising: at a customer premises equipment (CPE)
device storing a plurality of user assistance media files,
receiving a user request to tune the CPE device to a
troubleshooting channel; accessing a particular user assistance
media file; and sending content of the particular user assistance
media file to a display device.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: performing one or
more diagnostic tests at the CPE device; generating log information
that indicates results of the one or more diagnostic tests;
transmitting the log information to a customer assistant agent
associated with a service provider; receiving an updated user
assistance media file from the service provider; and sending
content of the updated user assistance media file to the display
device.
19. A non-transitory processor-readable medium comprising
instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the
processor to: at a customer premises equipment (CPE) device storing
a plurality of user assistance media files, receive a user request
to tune the CPE device to a troubleshooting channel; access a
particular user assistance media file; send content of the
particular user assistance media file to a display device; perform
one or more diagnostic tests at the CPE device; generate log
information that indicates results of the one or more diagnostic
tests; transmit the log information to a customer service agent
associated with a service provider; receive an updated user
assistance media file from the service provider; and send content
of the updated user assistance media file to the display
device.
20. The non-transitory processor-readable medium of claim 19,
further comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor,
cause the processor to: access subscriber account information
associated with the user; and transmit a message based on the
subscriber account information to the display device.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Systems that provide onboard diagnostic functionality for
set-top box devices and other customer premises equipment have been
used to assist service providers in determining what is causing
functional problems with the set-top box device or other
residential equipment. However, such systems may be hindered when a
problem with a set-top box device or other customer premises
equipment interrupts a connection to the service provider. For
example, the service provider may not be able to access diagnostic
information or provide useful customer assistance to the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a particular
embodiment of a system operable to provide user assistance based on
media files at a customer premises equipment (CPE) device;
[0003] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a particular
embodiment of a method of providing user assistance based on media
files at a CPE device; and
[0004] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a
general computer system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0005] In a particular embodiment, a CPE device includes a display
interface, a processor, and a memory accessible to the processor.
The memory includes a plurality of media files that include user
assistance information. The memory also includes instructions
executable by the processor to access a media file of the plurality
of media files and, in response to a user request for assistance,
to send content of the media file to a display device via a display
interface.
[0006] In another particular embodiment, a method includes, at a
CPE device storing a plurality of user assistance media files,
receiving a user request to tune the CPE device to a
troubleshooting channel. The method also includes accessing a
particular user assistance media file and sending content of the
particular user assistance media file to a display device.
[0007] In another particular embodiment, a non-transitory
computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed
by a processor, cause the processor to receive a user request to
tune a CPE device to a troubleshooting channel. The CPE device
stores a plurality of user assistance media files. The instructions
are also executable to access a particular user assistance media
file and to send content of the particular user assistance media
file to a display device. The instructions are further executable
to perform one or more diagnostic tests at the CPE device, to
generate log information that indicates results of the one or more
diagnostic tests, and to transmit the log information to a customer
assistance agent associated with a service provider. The
instructions are executable to receive an updated user assistance
media file from the service provider and to send content of the
updated user assistance media file to the display device.
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a particular embodiment of a system 100
including a set-top box device 102 with onboard diagnostics 124.
The set-top box device 102 may be coupled to a display device, such
as illustrative television 106. Additionally, the set-top box
device 102 may be coupled to a network 108. For example, the
set-top box device 102 may be coupled through a residential gateway
104 to the network 108 and maybe coupled via the network 108 to one
or more servers of a service provider, such as illustrative server
110. The network 108 may include a public network or a private
access network such as an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)
network, a cable access network, or a satellite television access
network. The set-top box device 102 may be adapted to receive
content from the service provider server 110 via the network 108.
It should be noted that although the embodiments herein are
described with reference to a set-top box device, user assistance
may also be provided via files located at other customer premises
equipment (CPE) devices, such as a residential gateway or a
micro-cell (e.g., a Femtocell) device. To illustrate, in an
alternate embodiment, selected components of the set-top box device
102 (e.g., the onboard diagnostics 124) may be located at the
residential gateway 104.
[0009] The set-top box device 102 may include a display interface
112 adapted to receive content from a service provider via the
network 108 and to generate a display for presentation at the
television 106. Additionally, the set-top box device 102 may
include a processor 114. The processor 114 may be adapted to access
instructions stored at a memory 116 of the set-top box device 102.
The processor 114 may implement the instructions stored at the
memory 116 to execute one or more applications, modules, logic, or
functions of the set-top box device 102. For example, the processor
114 may implement a television module 128 to process content
received from the content provider for display at the television
106. In another example, the set-top box device 102 may implement a
residential gateway module 126 in order to perform communications
with the residential gateway 104. For example, the residential
gateway module 126 may include particular protocol information
implemented to communicate with the set-top box device 102 and the
residential gateway 104. In another example, the processor 114 may
be adapted to receive and implement commands from a remote control
device 130 (e.g., to change a channel presented via the television
106).
[0010] The set-top box device 102 may include a rules engine 122.
The rules engine 122 may be adapted to identify problems with the
set-top box device 102, with a connection between the set-top box
device 102 and the residential gateway 104, with a connection
between the residential gateway 104 and the network 108, with a
connection between the residential gateway 104 and the service
provider server 110, or any combination thereof. In a particular
embodiment, the rules engine 122 may implement or execute the
diagnostic tests 124 that are stored as instructions onboard the
set-top box device 102. For example, the diagnostic tests 124 may
include testing a picture quality of an output signal of the
set-top box device 102, testing a connectivity between the set-top
box device 102 and the residential gateway 104, testing a
connectivity between the residential gateway 104 and the network
108, or any combination thereof. The diagnostic tests 124 may also
include testing a wireless connectivity (e.g., IEEE 802.11
connectivity) associated with the residential gateway 104, testing
a local area network (LAN) connectivity associated with the
residential gateway 104, or any combination thereof. In response to
detecting a particular problem, the set-top box device 102 may
generate log information that is stored at a log 118 in the memory
116 of the set-top box device 102.
[0011] In a particular embodiment, the set-top box device 102 may
be adapted to receive requests from a user for user assistance
information. For example, the request for user assistance
information may be received via the remote control device 130. In a
particular embodiment, the request for user assistance information
may be received via a search query that is input via a keyboard or
keypad of the remote control device 130. In another example, the
remote control device 130 may include a microphone and the request
for user assistance may be provided via a voice command from the
remote control device 130. The request for user assistance
information may include a request for particular help content,
particular frequently asked questions (FAQ) information, user
account information, or other information that may be accessible
via the content provider server 110.
[0012] In a particular embodiment, the set-top box device 102
includes a plurality of media files 120. The media files 120 may be
stored at the memory 116 of the set-top box device 102.
Accordingly, even when a connection between the set-top box device
102 and the network 108 is disrupted (e.g., due to a failure at the
residential gateway 104 or disruption of a connection between the
set-top box device 102, the residential gateway 104, and the
network 108), the set-top box device 102 remains able to access the
media files 120. The processor 114 may access one or more of the
media files 120 in response to the user request for user assistance
information. The processor 114 may process the selected media file
of the media files 120 and may send content of the selected media
files to the television 106 for display to the user.
[0013] In a particular embodiment, in response to a user request
for user assistance information, the set-top box device 102 may
implement a rules engine 122. The rules engine 122 may determine
context information associated with the request. For example, the
rules engine 122 may determine that a particular event has occurred
at the set-top device 102 or that an event has occurred that is
detectable by the set-top box device 102. For example, in response
to detecting a loss of connection to the network 108, one or more
diagnostic tests 124 may be initiated. The diagnostic tests 124 may
be implemented to determine a source, cause, or reason for the lost
connection. The particular selected media file 120 provided to the
television 106 may be associated with results of the diagnostic
tests 124 or results of particular rules implemented by the rules
engine 122. For example, when the rules engine 122 or the
diagnostic tests 124 determine that the connection to the network
108 has been lost, the media file 120 may be associated with
resetting the connection to the network 106 or with troubleshooting
the connection to the network 108. For example, the selected media
file 120 may instruct the user how to perform particular steps to
reset the connection to the network 108. To illustrate, the media
file 120 may include a how-to video that includes a step-by-step
demonstration of particular user assistance actions, such as
resetting the set-top box device 102 and the residential gateway
104.
[0014] In a particular embodiment, the content provider server 110
may designate a particular channel as a troubleshooting channel.
Accordingly, a user may select the troubleshooting channel using
the remote control device 130 in order to cause the set-top box
device 102 to implement the rules engine 122 to identify particular
problems that may be affecting the set-top box device 102. Thus,
tuning the set-top box device 102 to the troubleshooting channel
may be another way the user can request user assistance
information, and may thus be interpreted by the set-top box device
102 as a user request for assistance.
[0015] In a particular embodiment, the rules engine 122 is able to
access user account information from the content provider server
110. For example, the content provider server 110 may have access
to the user account information 144 indicating subscription tier
information, account payment history information, parental controls
or other access restrictions, or other information associated with
the user's subscriber account that may affect whether the
particular actions can be performed at the set-top box device 102.
For example, when a subscriber requests a channel that is
associated with a premium subscription tier and the subscriber
account is not associated with the premium subscription tier, the
rules engine 122 may access the account information 144 to
determine that a subscription tier associated with the set-top box
102 does not allow the particular channel to be displayed.
Accordingly, the rules engine 122 may generate and present user
assistance information via the television 106 indicating that the
user's subscription tier does not support the particular action to
be performed. The user may also be prompted to upgrade to the
premium subscription tier.
[0016] In a particular embodiment, the set-top box device 102 is
adapted to generate a log 118 including information related to user
requests for assistance. The log 118 may include information
related to the user-requested assistance, results of the
diagnostics tests 124, or any combination thereof. The log 118 may
be sent occasionally or periodically to the content provider server
110. For example, the set-top box device 102 may transmit logged
information to the content provider server 110 (i.e., via a "push"
mechanism) or the content provider server 110 may request the
logged information (i.e., via a "pull" mechanism). The service
provider server 110 may use the logged information from the log 118
to identify problems with the set-top box device 102, problems at
points on a connection path between the set-top box device 102 and
the content provider server 110, or any combination thereof.
[0017] In a particular embodiment, when a particular issue is
identified, the service provider server 110 may provide the logged
information to an agent 140 (e.g., a customer assistance agent or a
technical support agent) of the service provider. The agent 140 may
contact the user associated with the set-top box device 102 or may
implement corrective actions from the service provider side in
order to correct the issue.
[0018] In a particular embodiment, the system 100 may enable
troubleshooting of telephone audio. For example, a customer may
subscribe to voice services (e.g., voice over Internet protocol
(VoIP) services) in addition to video (e.g., IPTV) services. The
media files 120 may include one or more benchmark audio files that
are played over a phone circuit (not shown). A voice or audio
processor (e.g., incorporated into the processor 114 of the set-top
box device 102) may "listen" to the played files to determine
playback time and audio characteristics. The playback time and
audio characteristics may be analyzed (e.g., at the residential
gateway 104 or at the content provider server 110) to identify,
diagnose, and recommend corrective actions for telephone audio
quality problems.
[0019] In another particular embodiment, the system 100 may enable
troubleshooting of video services. For example, a customer may
experience synchronization issues between video data and audio data
of an IPTV program (e.g., a television channel or a video on demand
(VOD) program). The media files 120 may include one or more
benchmark video files that are played via the set-top box device
102 at the display device 106. The playback may be monitored to
check channel buffers for matching audio and video position markers
that are embedded in the benchmark files. Discrepancies in the
audio and video position markers may be identified and used for
troubleshooting purposes. Data description of the discrepancies may
also be stored for later retrieval by a customer service agent
(e.g., the agent 140) for further analysis.
[0020] As another example, a customer may experience degradation in
video quality. The media files 120 may include benchmark
photographs or video files that are played via the set-top box
device 102 at the display device 106. The customer may be prompted
to identify visual indicators or other characteristics that would
be present in the photographs or video files when there is no video
quality degradation. If the user is unable to identify a particular
visual indicator or characteristic, such information may be used
for troubleshooting purposes. The information may also be stored
for later retrieval by a customer service agent (e.g., the agent
140) for further analysis.
[0021] In another particular embodiment, the logged information
from the log 118 may be provided to the content provider server 110
and may be used to select updated media files 142 to download to
the set-top box device 102 for storage in the memory 116. The log
118 may thus trigger updates to the media files 120. For example,
the log information 118 may be analyzed in conjunction with other
log information associated with other subscribers and other set-top
box devices to determine frequently occurring or system-wide
problems. The updated media files 142 may be generated and may be
downloaded to one or more set-top box devices, such as the set-top
box device 102. The updated media files 142 may be transmitted to
the set-top box device 102 to facilitate customer assistance in
response to the frequently occurring problem, or may be transmitted
to the set-top box device 102 proactively (e.g., in order to
facilitate assistance should the frequently occurring problem occur
at the set-top box device 102).
[0022] Additionally or in the alternative, the log 118 may include
information indicating steps performed by the subscriber to attempt
to correct the problem. For example, when the particular user
assistance media file 120 has been presented to the user, and the
user has performed one or more steps of the corrective action
identified in the media file, the log 118 may indicate which steps
were performed and/or which steps were omitted.
[0023] Thus, the system 100 may enable improved customer service to
diagnose and correct problems associated with the set-top box
device 102, equipment coupled to the set-top box device 102, and
the service provider. Further, the system 100 may enable users to
self-correct problems without making calls into a customer
assistance center of the service provider. Rather, the set-top box
device 102 may store media files 120 that provide user assistance
information to enable a customer to diagnose and correct the
problem at the set-top box device 102. The self corrective actions
may be supplemented or facilitated by the onboard diagnostics 124
and the rules engine 122 that help the user identify problems and
present and demonstrate particular corrective actions via the media
files 120.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a particular embodiment of a
method of providing user assistance information based on media
files at a set-top box device. In an illustrative embodiment, the
method may be performed at the system 100 of FIG. 1.
[0025] The method includes, at 202, receiving a user request for
assistance. For example, the user request for assistance may be
received in response to a user tuning to a troubleshooting channel
at the set-top box device. In another example, the user request for
assistance may be received via search criteria associated with
specific assistance that the user desires. In yet another example,
the user request for assistance may be provided to the set-top box
device, such as the set-top box device 102 of FIG. 1, via the
remote control device 130, or via a voice entry at the remote
control device 130.
[0026] The method may also include, at 204, accessing a media file
of a plurality of media files that include user assistance
information. The plurality of media files may be stored at the
set-top box device. For example, the method may include accessing
one or more of the media files 120 of FIG. 1. In a particular
embodiment, the media files may include video segments
demonstrating performance of particular user assistance actions.
For example, the media files may include a video performance of
power cycling the set-top box device, checking a connection between
the set-top box device and the residential gateway, power cycling
the residential gateway, checking a connection between the
residential gateway and another network device, other assistance
information to correct a connection between the set-top box device
and the service provider, or any combination thereof.
[0027] The method may further include, at 206, performing one or
more diagnostic tests. For example, the diagnostic tests may
include testing a connection between the set-top box device 102 of
FIG. 1 and the residential gateway 104, testing a connection
between the residential gateway 104 and another network device of
the network 108, checking other connections or device functions, or
any combination thereof.
[0028] The method may include, at 208, accessing subscriber account
information. For example, subscriber account information may be
associated with the particular set-top box device at which the user
request for assistance was received. The subscriber account
information may include information such as a subscriber service
tier associated with the set-top box device 102 of FIG. 1, parental
access controls of the set-top box device 102, account payment
status information, or other information that may affect whether
particular actions may be performed at the set-top box device
102.
[0029] The method may also include, at 210, generating a message
based on the subscriber account information. For example, when a
current subscription tier associated with the set-top box device
does not allow a requested function, the message may provide this
information to the subscriber via a display device. The message may
also prompt the user to upgrade to a different service tier in
order to perform the requested function.
[0030] The method may further include, at 212, generating log
information related to the user request for assistance. For
example, the log information may be stored at the memory 116 of the
set-top box device 102 of FIG. 1 (e.g., as the log 118). The logged
information may include information identifying actions performed
to correct one or more issues at the set-top box device. For
example, the actions performed may include actions performed by the
user or actions automatically performed by the set-top box device
in order to self-correct a detected problem. Additionally, the
logged information may include contextual information such as a
particular channel that was being watched when the request for
assistance was received, a particular action that prompted the
request for assistance, results of diagnostic tests performed by
the set-top box device, or any combination thereof.
[0031] At 214, the logged information may be sent to a service
provider. For example, logged information may be sent to a customer
assistance agent of the service provider. The customer assistance
agent may use the log information to identify particular issues
associated with the set-top box device or to respond to the request
for user assistance information. For example, the customer
assistance agent may contact the subscriber associated with the
set-top box device in order to provide the user assistance
information. To illustrate, the customer assistance agent may
generate a call to residents associated with the set-top box
device. In another example, the customer assistance agent may send
text information to the set-top box device via a network in order
to provide user assistance information. In yet another example, the
customer assistance agent may send particular media content (e.g.,
as an update to previously stored media files) to the set-top box
device, such a video segment demonstrating how to perform a
particular corrective action at the set-top box device. In another
example, a customer assistance agent may dispatch one or more
technicians in order to address a particular concern at the set-top
box device or between the service provider and the set-top box
device.
[0032] The method may further include, at 216, receiving updated
media files. The updated media files may be selected based on the
logged information. The updated media files may also be selected
based on information logged at other set-top box devices associated
with the service provider. For example, when a plurality of
subscribers associated with the service provider have experienced a
particular issue or requested information regarding certain
functionality, the service provider may choose to push updated
media files to set-top box devices associated with the same
subscriber or with other subscribers in order to facilitate
providing user assistance information to the subscribers. The
method may include, at 218, sending content of an updated media
file to a display device.
[0033] Accordingly, particular embodiments disclosed may enable
improved communication of user assistance information to
subscribers. In particular, subscribers may access user assistance
information stored onboard a set-top box device even when there are
communication problems that would prevent sending the service
provider from sending the user assistance information to the
subscriber at the time of the user request for assistance. For
example, even when a network is non-functional and does not allow
communication with the subscriber via the set-top box device, via a
telephone call, or via other communication, the subscriber may
nonetheless access the stored media files in order to attempt
self-correcting actions.
[0034] Additionally, an onboard rules engine and diagnostic tests
at the set-top box device may facilitate selection of particular
media content to provide the requested information to the user. For
example, when the subscriber does not know what is causing the
particular problem, the subscriber may not know which particular
media file to select for presentation at a television. However,
diagnostic information may be used in conjunction with the rules
engine to select a particular media file that demonstrates how to
correct the problem. The media files may also include answers to
frequently asked questions or other content that may be useful to
the subscriber, though not associated with the particular ongoing
problem at the set-top box device. Thus, providing the media
content onboard the set-top box device and pushing the content from
the service provider to the set-top box device at a time selected
by the service provider may facilitate an improved customer
experience. Moreover, this may reduce strain on call centers and
other service provider servers or agents. Further, since the
set-top box device is enabled to access subscriber account
information, subscribers may beneficially access account
information via the set-top box device without involving a customer
assistance agent (e.g., to add or remove services, to upgrade or
downgrade to a different subscription tier, etc.).
[0035] It should be noted that although the embodiments described
herein are with reference to a set-top box device, user assistance
may alternately be provided based on media files stored at other
customer-side devices. For example, a television may directly be
coupled to a residential gateway instead of to a set-top box
device. In such an embodiment, the user assistance methods
disclosed herein may be performed at the television or at the
residential gateway.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 3, an illustrative embodiment of a general
computer system is shown and is designated 300. For example,
various components of the computer system 300 may include,
implement, or be included within the set-top device 102 of FIG. 1,
the residential gateway 104 of FIG. 1, the server 110 of FIG. 1,
components thereof, or any combination thereof.
[0037] The computer system 300 includes a set of instructions that
can be executed to cause the computer system 300 to perform any one
or more of the methods or computer based functions disclosed
herein. The computer system 300, or any portion thereof, may
operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., using a
network, to other computer systems or peripheral devices.
[0038] In a networked deployment, the computer system 300 may
operate in the capacity of a set-top box device, a server, or a
mobile computing device. The computer system 300 can also be
implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a
personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a personal digital assistant
(PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a
desktop computer, a communications device, a web appliance, or any
other machine capable of executing a set of instructions
(sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that
machine. In a particular embodiment, the computer system 300 can be
implemented using electronic devices that provide voice, video or
data communication. Further, while a single computer system 300 is
illustrated, the term "system" shall also be taken to include any
collection of systems or sub-systems that individually or jointly
execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructions to perform one or
more computer functions.
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the computer system 300 may
include a processor 302, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a
graphics-processing unit (GPU), or both. Moreover, the computer
system 300 can include a main memory 304 and a static memory 306
that can communicate with each other via a bus 308. As shown, the
computer system 300 may further include or be coupled to a video
display unit 310, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an
organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a
solid-state display, or a projection display. For example, the
video display unit 310 may be the television 106 of FIG. 1.
Additionally, the computer system 300 may include an input device
312, such as a keyboard, a remote control device, and a cursor
control device 314, such as a mouse. The computer system 300 can
also include a disk drive unit 316, a signal generation device 318,
such as a speaker or remote control device, and a network interface
device 320. The network interface device 320 may be coupled to
other devices (not shown) via a network 326.
[0040] In a particular embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 3, the disk
drive unit 316 may include a non-transitory computer-readable
medium 322 in which one or more sets of instructions 324, e.g.,
software, can be embedded. For example, the instructions 324 may
enable the computer system 300 to perform one or more methods or
logic described herein. In a particular embodiment, the
instructions 324 may reside completely, or at least partially,
within the main memory 304, the static memory 306, and/or within
the processor 302 during execution by the computer system 300. The
main memory 304 and the processor 302 also may include
non-transitory computer-readable media.
[0041] In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware
implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits,
programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be
constructed to implement one or more of the methods described
herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of
various embodiments can broadly include a variety of electronic and
computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may
implement functions using two or more specific interconnected
hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals
that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as
portions of an application-specific integrated circuit.
Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and
hardware implementations.
[0042] In accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure, the methods described herein may be implemented by
software programs executable by a computer system. Further, in an
exemplary, non-limited embodiment, implementations can include
distributed processing, component/item distributed processing, and
parallel processing. Alternatively, virtual computer system
processing can be constructed to implement one or more of the
methods or functionality as described herein.
[0043] The present disclosure contemplates a non-transitory
computer-readable medium that includes instructions 324 so that a
device connected to a network 326 can communicate voice, video or
data over the network 326. Further, the instructions 324 may be
transmitted or received over the network 326 via the network
interface device 320. For example, the network 326 may be the
network 108 of FIG. 1.
[0044] While the non-transitory computer-readable medium is shown
to be a single medium, the terms "non-transitory computer-readable
medium" and "non-transitory processor-readable medium" include a
single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or
distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that
store one or more sets of instructions. The terms "non-transitory
computer-readable medium" and "non-transitory processor-readable
medium" shall also include any medium that is capable of storing a
set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a
computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or
operations disclosed herein.
[0045] In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the
non-transitory computer-readable medium can include a solid-state
memory such as a memory card or other package that houses one or
more non-volatile read-only memories. Further, the non-transitory
computer-readable medium can be a random access memory or other
volatile re-writable memory. Additionally, the non-transitory
computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or optical
medium, such as a disk or tapes. Accordingly, the disclosure is
considered to include any one or more of a non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium and successor media, in which data
or instructions may be stored.
[0046] It should also be noted that software that implements the
disclosed methods may optionally be stored on a tangible storage
medium. For example, the tangible storage medium may include a
magnetic medium such as a disk or tape. As another example, the
tangible storage medium may include a magneto-optical or optical
medium such as a disk. As yet another example, the tangible storage
medium may include a solid state medium such as a memory card or
other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile)
memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile)
memories.
[0047] Although the present specification describes components and
functions that may be implemented in particular embodiments with
reference to particular standards and protocols, the invention is
not limited to such standards and protocols. For example, standards
for Internet, other packet switched network transmission (e.g.,
TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, X10, SIP, TR-069, INSTEON, WEP, Wi-Fi and
HTTP) and standards for viewing media content (e.g., MPEG and
H.264) may represent examples of the state of the art. Such
standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient
equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly,
replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar
functions as those disclosed herein are considered equivalents
thereof.
[0048] One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to
herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term "invention"
merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit
the scope of this application to any particular invention or
inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have
been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated
that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or
similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments
shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent
adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of
the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically
described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art
upon reviewing the description.
[0049] The Abstract of the Disclosure is submitted with the
understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the
scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing
Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or
described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining
the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as
reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more
features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the
following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed
to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed
embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the
Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as
defining separately claimed subject matter.
[0050] The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered
illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are
intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other
embodiments, which fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the
present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible
interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and
shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed
description.
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